how do you winterize an above ground vinyl pool

How to Winterize Aboveground Pools

• Vacuum the bottom or use an automatic cleaner
• Skim the surface using a leaf net and get rid of any debris
• Scrub the walls and floor with a wall brush
• Continue to run the filter while moving ahead

Full Answer

How to winterize an above ground pool in 11 steps?

How to Winterize An Above Ground Pool in 11 Steps. 1 1. Gather Your Pool Closing Essentials. Before you winterize your above ground pool, make sure you’ve got the necessary supplies: 2 2. Clean Your Pool One Last Time. 3 3. Test and Tweak Your Water for Winter. 4 4. Add Winterizing Chemicals. 5 5. Clear and Store the Lines. More items

Can You winterize a vinyl liner pool in the winter?

The process of winterizing the equipment and plumbing is the same, but care of your vinyl liner during winter requires some extra precaution. WATER LEVEL: In a vinyl liner pool, if the water leaks during winter, you run the risk of complete liner failure.

How do I Close my swimming pool for the winter?

Here's our step-by-step guide for closing your above-ground swimming pool for winter. Step 1: Remove all pool accessories & pool equipment Detach and remove any pool accessories such as ladders, floaties, return fittings, solar blankets , pool alarms , pool cleaner , and diving boards.

How to protect vinyl pool liner from wind damage?

Filling up the vinyl liner with water provides stability to the frames and walls, preventing it from being damaged by the wind. Also, filling the vinyl with water helps protect the vinyl material from shrinking from the cold temperature. Adjusting the alkalinity and acidity of your above ground pool will help prevent corrosion and scaling.

When to winterize above ground pool?

Why do you need to winterize your pool?

Why use a skimmer plate for pool?

How to lower acidity in water?

What does the pH level of a pool mean?

What to do when closing a pool in winter?

How to test pool water?

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How to keep pool water level in winter?

Keep an eye on the water level during winter. Add water as needed, to keep the pool full, and if you have an early season leak, pull the cover off and do some Winter leak detection. Also be careful not to pump out the pool water through holes in a solid winter pool cover! Not too low, Not too high.

How to keep water away from pool from rain?

Make sure that your pool deck and surrounding areas can handle high volumes of water, quickly moving it to lower ground or to drains, to keep the water away from the pool.

Why does my pool liner shrink in winter?

This is because without the weight of the water to hold a liner in place, it quickly pulls away from the wall, and shrinks during cold winter weather. Although any pool type that drains empty during winter is in danger of shifting or floating, if the water goes below the shallow end floor of a vinyl pool, you will certainly have trouble resetting ...

What is the best way to clean a pool with high metal content?

For pools with high metal content, Iron or Manganese, use Metal Free. To prevent waterline stains from pollution, pollen and dust, use an enzyme like Pool Perfect, or the Winter Ball, to consume oily organics that pass through mesh covers easily.

How to remove leaves from pool cover?

Do use a Leaf Cover – if you have a floating solid cover and trees near the pool. Dredging leaves from a solid pool cover pokes holes in the cover when you push or drag a sharp stick across the cover. With a Leaf Net, you can remove all of the leaves super-easily, without dredging with leaf rakes.

Can you winterize a vinyl pool liner?

WATER LEVEL: In a vinyl liner pool, if the water leaks during winter, you run the risk of complete liner failure.

Is vinyl pool liner too low?

Not too low, Not too high. If your vinyl liner has no leaks and you also have a mesh safety cover (like me!), you’ll need to monitor the water level under the cover, and lower the water if it touches the underside of the cover. Very Important for pools surrounded by dense trees, which will turn your pool into a brown tea, which can stain the liner or plastic pool trim, a dull brownish color.

Why is it important to cover a pool in winter?

A winter cover is important for your pool because it will protect the water during the months when it’s not in use. Installing a pool cover can be cumbersome, so I always recommend getting help! Lay the cover out over the pool, making sure there is overlap on all sides. Get it as even as possible all the way around.

How to get water out of a pool line?

1. Use a wet/dry vac to blow the water from out of your lines, then plug the lines with expansion plugs; or. 2. Use a swimming pool antifreeze (note: not a regular antifreeze you use for your car) in the lines and just follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For the return line, seal it with a winter pool plug.

What is a winterizing kit?

Winterizing chemical kits can be purchased with chlorine or non-chlorine products. Lots of people prefer the non-chlorine type because they prevent the common bleaching and fading of the pool surface. Most kits contain a winterizer, shock, a stain-preventer, and a floater.

What does shocking a pool mean?

Shocking your pool is basically an industry term for super-chlorinating or oxidizing your pool for the purposes of killing off any bad stuff that your regular chlorine doesn’t kill.

What is in a pool stain preventer kit?

Most kits contain a winterizer, shock, a stain-preventer, and a floater. In addition, you will need to buy a good algaecide. At this point, you should have already shocked your pool and it’s time to add the stain-preventer that comes in your kit.

Why is water pool chemistry balanced?

The water pool chemistry needs to be balanced in order for your other pool chemicals to work efficiently. Balanced water will also result in less damage to your pool liner. Normal levels should be:

How long does it take to get a pool ready to swim?

It will take you days or even weeks to get it swim-ready again! And if you just leave your pool completely uncovered, you’ll have to deal with cleaning out your pool (in frigid cold temperatures), re-balancing your pool water, and contending with freeze damage. And nobody wants to do that.

Why is it important to winterize a pool?

Properly winterizing your pool will protect your equipment from ice damage, keep your water clean, and will help save you time and money when opening your pool in the spring. Winterizing your pool may seem complicated, but with a little preparation, it can be a very simple and pain-free process.

What to do if your pool is changing color?

If you notice that your pool is starting to change color or surface stains are popping up, bring a water sample to your local Leslie's store for a complimentary AccuBlue® water analysis and professional recommendations .

What to bring to a pool closing?

Before getting started, make sure you have all of the essential pool closing and winterizing supplies you'll need. It's important to have these items on hand to ensure an efficient pool closing process: 1 Water Balancing Chemicals 2 Pool Closing Kit or Closing Chemicals 3 Winter Cover 4 Cable and Winch Assembly (Usually Included with Winter Cover) 5 Leaf Net 6 Air Pillow (s) 7 Pillow Pal 8 Cover Clips, Winter Wrap, or Wall Bags 9 Skimmer Plug (s) 10 Submersible Pump

What to do if you can't move your pool equipment?

BONUS TIP: If you're unable to move your equipment indoors, it helps to cover it. Use pool equipment covers or a tarp to help protect your stuff from the elements. They make winter covers for patio furniture, as well!

How to prevent metal stains in pool?

Prevent stains and scaling. To prevent metal stains, add MetalFree and Leslie's Stain and Scale Remove. For every 20,000 gallons, add one liter of MetalFree and one quart (32 ounces) of Leslies Stain and Scale 2 by pouring it around the perimeter of your pool. 4. Balance the pH level.

How to prevent unsightly stains in water?

To prevent unsightly stains over the winter months, it's important to add stain and scale prevention products to the water. With the pump running, add the proper doses of MetalFree and/or Leslie's Stain and Scale Remove .

How to close an above ground pool?

1. Maintain phosphate level. One week prior to closing your pool, add 14 fluid ounces of Pool Magic + PHOSfree directly into ...

How to keep pool liner from drying out?

Do not lower the water below the skimmer. Place a gizmo or a weighted plastic milk carton in the skimmer to protect it from freeze damage. Once a pool has been filled with water, the liner begins to lose its stretching properties; therefore the pool should be kept full of water at all times. The water acts as a protector for the liner and holds the liner in its proper position, thus eliminating any re-stretching and drying out of the vinyl. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning the winterizing of the pump and filter.

How to protect pool liner from worms?

Use a good fitting winter cover that is sealed around the entire perimeter. An uncovered pool accumulates debris, such as leaves and worms. The debris absorbs the chlorine in the pool, leaving a potential risk for staining or bleaching of the liner.

What is the best way to clean vinyl?

Do not use abrasive cleaning aids, i.e: steel wool, sharp bristled brushes, scouring pads, etc. We recommend using alkaline base cleaning agents for cleaning the area above the water line. Acid base chemicals can leave a residue which causes the vinyl to fade out.

Why should a pool liner be filled with water?

Once a pool has been filled with water, the liner begins to lose its stretching properties ; therefore the pool should be kept full of water at all times. The water acts as a protector for the liner and holds the liner in its proper position, thus eliminating any re-stretching and drying out of the vinyl.

Can you add chemicals to a pool?

Never add chemicals directly to the pool! Dilute them first in a bucket of water and add them to the pool by pouring them into the skimmer, while the circulation system is on.

How to store pool filter in winter?

For cartridge filters, just take the cartridge out, submerge it in water with pool filter cleaner, rinse it out, let it dry, and store it inside. You’ll want to leave the valves open on your filter throughout the winter.

How to winterize a sand filter?

If you have a sand filter, set your multiport valve to “winterize” and remove the drain plug at the bottom. Allow the filter to completely drain. If your valves has any other extras, like a sight glass or a bleeder valve, remove those, too. If your filter is too heavy to carry inside, it’ll be fine as it is: outside, with all drain plugs removed.

Why Store Your Above-Ground Pool Equipment for the Winter?

If it were up to me, all above-ground pools would have their plumbing, pump, filter, and any other accessories in a safe, dry place for the winter. Seems like I’m overdoing it? Well, think for a moment about what this winter is going to bring. Even if you don’t live somewhere that gets particularly icy, you will have to deal with storms and their debris, like dirty rainwater, twigs, leaves, and algae spores. You might even be somewhere where you get high winds. Storing your equipment away for those harsher months will save you a lot of cleaning time and the continuous checkups otherwise required during off-season pool maintenance. The time you take now to store it all away could save you loads of time later—and isn’t that what managing any kind of responsibility is all about?

How to clean an inflatable pool filter?

Since most inflatable and Intex pools have cartridge filters, it’s going to be a breeze to finish this off. Open your filter pump, remove the cartridge, submerge it in cleaning fluid, and let them both air dry. If your filter cartridge is dirty, you’re better off skipping the clean and ordering a replacement instead. Just make sure you get the right filter for your pool type. Got it all sorted out? You’re done!

How to store pool lines in the spring?

Whether or not you’re dealing with freezing temperatures, taking down and storing your pool lines will make setting them up again in the spring a lot cleaner. Less gunky, let’s say. The best part? All you have to do is disconnect the lines, allow all the water still lodged in them to run out, then let them air dry outside—we don’t want any festering-for-months mold to appear on pool opening day. Once they’re completely dry, you’re ready to store your pipes. Oh, and word from the wise: do not—I repeat, do not —do this while your circulation system is on, or even connected to power.

What do you love about above ground pools?

If you ask an above-ground pool owner what they love the most about theirs, chances are they’ll mention one particular word: flexibility. And this time of year, that’s a great trait to have. The fact of the matter is that the world is constantly changing around us—and one of the most noticeable changes, for better or worse, is the weather. Eventually, that first brisk morning comes and the realization that summer is ending sinks in like a high-leap cannonball. And although flexibility when it comes to your pool is a major strength, it can often lead to a little extra step at the beginning and end of pool season: storing your pool and/or your pool’s equipment for the winter.

When to store pool equipment?

And although flexibility when it comes to your pool is a major strength, it can often lead to a little extra step at the beginning and end of pool season: storing your pool and/or your pool’s equipment for the winter.

What does it mean to winterize a pool?

Generally, winterizing pools means leaving your pool outside during the winter while removing other components that the ice can easily damage. It also involves adding chemicals to your water to prevent algae and other forms of bacteria from contaminating your pool while you are off.

Why fill vinyl with water?

Filling up the vinyl liner with water provides stability to the frames and walls, preventing it from being damaged by the wind. Also, filling the vinyl with water helps protect the vinyl material from shrinking from the cold temperature.

When was Intex pool updated?

Last Updated on March 17, 2021 By thepoolindustry. Having to keep your pool up all year long depends on the manufacturer. Like every other manufacturer, Intex has its dos and don’ts when it comes to how its product is to be used.

Does Intex winterize pools?

Intex has provided the necessary toolkit to winterize your pools based on the different climates. If you stay in regions below 41 o F, you will find your kit that fits your area. The same applies to those that stay in the warmer region of above 41 o F.

Can Intex pools freeze?

Apparently, winterizing Intex pools do not follow suit as their pool component is made of fragile materials, making them susceptible to the freezing temperature. As much as their products are built to be easy to set up and store, these delicate materials cannot survive the chilly weather.

Is Intex safe to store in the winter?

The frames and walls are built with fragile materials, making them unsuitable for staying out through the winter. Therefore, Intex has advised to disassemble and store in a safe place during the cold season .

Can you leave an above ground pool out in the winter?

Can Above Ground Pool Be Left in Winter. Yes, a vinyl material above ground pool can be left out in the winter. Leaving above ground pool up winter does not damage the product. So far, the vinyl material is filled up with water.

When to winterize above ground pool?

But as a rule, if temperatures typically drop, and stay, below 65°F (18°C) during the off season, wait until the temperature falls below that point to close.

Why do you need to winterize your pool?

Winterizing your pool minimizes your risk of contamination and cold damage to sensitive components. You’ll save time, money, and frustration.

Why use a skimmer plate for pool?

We recommend using a skimmer plate when winterizing your pool to prevent water from entering your plastic skimmer, freezing, and cracking. This is a Tupperware-like cover that's easy to take on and off when needed.

How to lower acidity in water?

If your water is acidic, add a base to lower the acidity. If your water’s too basic, add a pH increaser to bring it into proper balance.

What does the pH level of a pool mean?

Your pool’s pH level is a measure of how acidic or basic the water is. The lower the level, the more acidic the water is. The higher it is, the more basic the water is. If your water is acidic, add a base to lower the acidity. If your water’s too basic, add a pH increaser to bring it into proper balance.

What to do when closing a pool in winter?

Clean and Stash Your Accessories. When you’re closing your pool for the winter, don’t overlook your above ground pool ladder, toys, and any other accessories you may have. Leaving them in the pool can damage the items or, even worse, your pool. They could puncture the lining or start to rust.

How to test pool water?

You can test the water yourself with test strips or a water testing kit for a little more accuracy. If you want the most accurate results possible, you can also take a water sample to your local pool store and have them test it for you.